One can actually live in it on a full-time basis if necessary. Compared to modern RVs, my FMC 2900R is a compact. Would you consider a vacation in this ’70s Xplorer? Fifteen years from now a new $50,000 camper van will probably sell for $8000, but this one’s value may actually increase over time. The Ford van apparently came with a tan interior that was mated to the green camper body. This camper will do fine on the highway even if uphill stretches are done (if you have any respect for yourself or humanity) in the slow lane.Įquipment includes updated electronics and USB charging ports, propane stove, furnace, and water heater, 12 volt refrigerator and water pump, and tanks for fresh water, black water, and gray water. It may seem a little small for a lifetime of carrying a small house on its back, but a host of vacationers towed trailers or drove campers with small V8s making in the area of 200 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque back then. The 302 cid (5.0L) Ford V8 resides in there somewhere. In fact, according to ClassBForum, Xplorer founder Ray Frank’s wife coined the phrase “Motor Home.” Frank historically favored Dodge-based motorhomes, but this Ford one-ton unit looks fine to me. The Xplorer company traces its history back to the House Car days. Even with quirks and imperfections I’d take this one over new any day for the nostalgia. Designed as a two-person camper, the Xplorer differs little in technology from what you would find in today’s units.
Did the hardware store not have green paint? LED lights promise to suck less energy than the original incandescent units. Refinished black cabinet doors look slightly odd, but something more period-correct should be an easy fix. Original carpet continues the green theme inside. At least 15 bidders here on eBay have elevated the market value of this interesting time campsule above $22,000. The turn-key rig is ready to explore destinations near or far. This 1972 Xplorer 224 in Wayland, Michigan offers a retro-cool snapshot of early ’70s van culture with some modern updates that don’t spoil the charm. The idea of a self-contained “House Car,” as they were initially called, dates back nearly to the dawn of the automobile. America’s post-war investment in a vast Interstate Highway System after World War II put long-distance road-trips within reach of novice vacationers.
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